ARS | Publication request: Materials used in toxin detection, from A to Z

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 3, 2012
Publication Date: October 3, 2012
Citation: Maragos, C.M. 2012. Materials used in toxin detection, from A to Z. Meeting Abstract.

Technical Abstract: Whether it is during extraction, isolation, or detection the analysis of toxins invariably entails the interactions with materials that can bind to or otherwise interact with the toxin or the matrix in which it is lodged. As a result an enormous variety of materials have been developed to facilitate toxin extraction, isolation, and detection. Even when discussion is confined to the detection step of low molecular weight toxins the number of useful materials can be daunting. The complexity is inherent in the varying chemical properties of the toxins, the matrices in which they can be found, and the many different technologies that can be used for their detection. A number of materials have been developed that have found use in rapid point-of-use assays. These include materials with a wide range of affinity and selectivity for the target analytes. Examples include not only materials that bind the toxins, such as antibodies and synthetic polymers, but also materials that do not bind the toxins but which selectively remove interfering matrix components. In addition materials that chemically react with toxins are used to enhance their detection. The nature of the materials used as components of point-of-use assays will be explored, with the intent of finding materials with the best fit for purpose.